Wayambekange N Hamufenhu
It is our resources, Our Ocean, Our wildlife, Our Minerals, Our Forests – yes, they belong to us as Namibians.
However, while using them, we should think about the generations to come
As Namibia enters 2025, the nation stands at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of its natural resources and environment. Our beautiful country is rich in biodiversity and endowed with abundant resources, from vibrant oceans teeming with marine life to vast mineral wealth, lush forests, and diverse wildlife that thrive in our ecosystem. Namibia’s natural resources are not only the backbone of its economy but also vital to the well-being of its people. These resources fuel industries, drive economic growth, sustain livelihoods, and offer opportunities for long-term prosperity.
However, the challenge we face as a nation is how to use these resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, resilient environment. The concept of sustainable development must be at the heart of our approach to managing Namibia’s natural wealth. It is crucial that we balance the immediate benefits derived from sectors like fisheries, agriculture, mining, and tourism with long-term environmental stewardship.
Namibia’s oceans support thriving fisheries and coastal tourism, while its forests provide essential services, including timber, fuelwood, and carbon sequestration, which contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. Our wildlife conservation efforts are internationally recognised, and our agricultural sector nourishes communities through crop farming and livestock production, ensuring national food security.
The country’s mineral resources, including uranium, diamonds, copper, and gold, are key drivers of economic growth and employment. Furthermore, Namibia’s renewable energy potential, particularly solar and wind, is immense, offering opportunities to transition toward a more sustainable, green economy.
Yet, these resources are finite. It is imperative that Namibia prioritise sustainable management to ensure these assets continue to benefit all Namibians now and in the future. The health of our oceans, forests, wildlife, and land is directly linked to our people’s well-being, economic resilience, and ability to address climate challenges.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, a holistic approach to resource management is essential. We need to balance the economic development with environmental stewardship. We must embed sustainability across every sector, from mining, agriculture, energy, and wildlife, so economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection. All sectors of society—government, private industry, civil society, and individuals—must play a role in fostering innovation, advocating for policies that support environmental tutelage, and implementing practices that protect and preserve our natural resources. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of Namibia’s natural wealth, driving economic growth while maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a prosperous, sustainable future for all its people.
Wayambekange N Hamufenhu is a senior development planner at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, and an integrated natural resources management (INRM) graduate.
